Cafardo On Stanton, Swisher, Red Sox, Sizemore

In today's column, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe opines that the Red Sox should go after a Josh Hamilton or Joe Mauer. Boston has made it clear that they are focused on being fiscally responsible and only targeting good value deals, but a strong bat would help elevate the club's lineup and energize the fan base. Here's more from today's column..

The Phillies, Red Sox, Yankees, Orioles, Cubs, and many more are inquiring on rightfielder Giancarlo Stanton, a major league source tells Cafardo. However, commissioner Bud Selig is watching the situation closely after the club's colossal salary dump in the Blue Jays deal. He didn't move to block that trade, but he may not be fond of a deal for the Marlins’ biggest draw.

The Red Sox have had ongoing negotiations with Nick Swisher and his agents. The outfielder, who has at least seven teams interested in him this winter, would serve as a more than adequate replacement for Cody Ross.

Agent Joe Urbon tells Cafardo that all is quiet on Grady Sizemore. The 30-year-old has bad knees but there is hope that he can turn the corner. The agent says his client will play again, but it seems he would have to come in on a minor league/major league deal with incentives, similar to Jason Bay.

Carlos Pena may have to accept being a platoon player for a team like the Red Sox after a weak offensive campaign. The Sox still haven't closed the door on fellow first baseman James Loney, who offers strong defense but lacks the big bat potential of a player like Pena.